Former United assistant after the Spurs job - 'private connections" with Levy

With rumours abound on who will be next Tottenham's next manager, there seems to be plenty of figures throwing their hat into the ring.

Fresh from FC Basel manager Murat Yakin claiming to have been approached by Spurs, former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz has spoken out about his interest in taking on the vacant role at the North London club.

Though his management experience at club level is limited, the Portuguese has significant experience from all over the world, and has a contract that expires at the end of the World Cup, meaning the club would have to pay no compensation if they took him on up to, and then beyond the summer.

In an interview with BBC World Football, Queiroz claimed to be looking to return to the Premier League following his spells with Manchester United, and had had "some private connections in the past" with Spurs owner Daniel Levy.

Claiming that his time in Manchester was the happiest in his career, the Iran manager was open with his praise of manager-less Spurs when quizzed on whether he would be interested in taking the helm: "Absolutely," responded Queiroz, "Tottenham is a club I really appreciate a lot and I have great admiration."

Queiroz has endured mixed fortunes since leaving United. He was only at the club for a year before leaving in 2003 to take charge at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

This spell ended in disappointment after they finished a lowly 4th place in La Liga. The Portuguese immediately returned to Old Trafford for what was a longer and more successful spell, culminating in the 2007-08 Champions League and Premier League win.

Queiroz again flew Fergie's nest, taking over as Portugal manager and overseeing a rather underwhelming World Cup campaign. Despite having an impressive squad, Portugal limped through qualification and disappointed in the tournament itself, losing 1-0 to eventual winners Spain in the first knockout stage.

His contract with Portugal was terminated, and Queiroz took over the Iranian national team, this time overseeing comfortable qualification to next summers tournament in Brazil, and topping a group that contained fellow Asian power South Korea.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)